Review of Train Full of Joy

In the case of “The Queen of Boogie Woogie,” master pianist Wendy DeWitt, both hands find an equal home in her and partner, drummer Kirk Harwood’s “Train Full of Joy.”

This delightful Christmas/holiday album makes for a highly enjoyable romp through several holiday classics, plus the original title track composition, and does it wonderfully. The talented vocalist DeWitt this time delivers an all-instrumental CD that makes for both great listening and/or perfect background music to charm your most jaded happy holiday season’s guests.

Wendy and drummer Harwood’s 2nd album together features standout contemporary arrangements of eleven well-known traditional tunes. All get an updated boogie-woogie and blues groove with plenty of DeWitt’s delightful Christmas keyboard magic.

The 50’s mainstay “Blue Christmas” features DeWitt on Hammond organ and is a standout track. Otherwise, she plays the piano throughout. And boy, can she play.

Harwood’s jazzy, slightly militaristic drumming adds a great groove to the proceedings, and accompanies DeWitt’s keyboard playing immensely.

This musical treat by beloved Bay Area artists is one not to miss. “Train Full of Joy” can be played year after year and assuredly will become one of your favorite yuletide treats.
~Joseph Jordan